Doctor Copy: Douglas Files, #1

By Kevin Rafalko

While trying to fit in to Society, a society that has decided to judge him guilty for crime he did not commit, Douglas must deal with the chaotic world of Destiny City. He struggles to understand the ghosts and demons that hunat him, whilie hoping to solve the death of his wife. A strange and unusual friendship with a brilliant mind steps Douglas in to a world of cloning and chaos. Not even the local super hero can keep Douglas out of trouble. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kevin Rafalko
• Release date: Jun 9, 2024
• ISBN: 9798227328700

Book preview

Doctor Copy is a work of fiction. Names, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. All works under the Destiny City Sage are of the author’s imagination. At no time should anyone reenact or do on their own at home.

Text Description automatically generated with low confidence

A Dead-Knights Publishing

The Doctor Copy and all the Destiny City Saga are published by Dead-Knights Publishing in the United States.

DO NOT reenact any scenes at home!

You will die from being stupid!

To those that pushed me to do more,

Thank you!

Maureen Rafalko

George J. Hughes (R.I.P)

A Destiny City Saga

The Douglas Files:

Doctor Copy

Episodes

Heads up, Seven up

Home run to the head

Flying Book of Death

Past Mistakes

He swings and she’s out

Click Click Boom

Running in Flames

Doctor Copy

Front Page

The Ass and the Irish

Christmas Rush

Enter the Villain

Waking once again

Clone Killing

Game Changes

One Problem down

Driving Mr. Grumpy

A Creepy fountain of Youth

A God is Born

Up in Flames

In the Dust, Answers

Episode One: Heads Up, Seven Up

Detective Falco, did you murder your wife on the night of December 5th?  The pompous jerk of a District Attorney stared at Douglas with a large grin on his face waiting for him to answer. Douglas took a second and looked at the jury. He saw a group of middle-class people, who watched too much C.S.I. and could see their clueless minds searching for that one bit of evidence that would call him guilty. As if a real-life case was that easy, many were yawning expecting the case to last only a few hours, to find themselves sitting in the same seat for two weeks. He then turned back to the District Attorney, who stood before him waiting, like an impatient Starbucks customer too busy to wait the few second for the drink to be made.

No and I asked twice for you to not referee to me as Detective since I am no longer one, Douglas replied softly.

The D.A.’s smile grew as if given a large pile of cash. Why is that..., Detective? The D.A. asked moving in closer to Douglas with his chin pointed outwards as if waiting for Douglas to punch him. Douglas licked his lips and half smiled, as he looked downward, fighting the urge to reach over the beach and slap the shit out of the self-righteous jock.

It may have something to do with you and a certain reporter running stories proclaiming I murdered my wife. The D.A. turned to the jury about to speak, as Douglas quickly interrupted him, but spoke calmly in his normal tone. Or he paused just long enough to get the Districts Attorneys attention. It could have something to do with me not willing to suck your dick like the rest of the police force.

Uproar filled the court, as officers and other began voicing their own dislike for Douglas’ behavior. He sat back in the chair and proudly watched, as the judge fought to regain control. The Judge pounded his gavel repeatedly while yelling for everyone to quiet down.

Slowly the courtroom quieted, as the Judge turned to Douglas. The Judge reminded him of Caption Picard from Star Trek, the best caption at that. You have caused nothing, but trouble since you have taken the stand. Even his tone sounded like Caption Picard and it caused Douglas to laugh softly, only adding to the problem. You mocked the D.A., hit on the jury and even insulted the police force. So, I need to ask, why? Do you not understand the important of this case?

Douglas took a second to think and hold back from another unwelcome comment. I understand the point, Caption... I mean Judge. I also understand that this pencil neck geek, pointing to the D.A., has nothing on me and that he is trying to get re-elected on bull shit and gossip. Douglas was about to go on when the Judge raised his hand stopping him from saying more.

I too have looked over the file a few of time and we have spent the last two weeks on a crime scene without once showing any evidence that ties with the Districts Attorneys opening statement. The Judge turned to the D.A., So unless you can put some solid evidence in front of me and this jury. I am going to end this now before Mister Falco here insults any more people.

The courtroom’s eyes turned to the D.A., who was now sitting at the table with his briefcase in hand. The look on his face said that he was fighting to think of something but was clearly out of ideas. Your honor, he quickly said almost jumping from his seat. If I can move forward with the case, I am assured that pieces of evidence will come forward. I also...

The Judge quickly cut him off, As I figured. So, with nothing new on the table, I am putting this to an end. Mr. Falco, I will see you in my chambers in about ten minutes along with the D.A. The Judge slammed his gavel down and quickly escaped to his chambers. The courtroom roared once more as officers of the court lead Douglas past everyone and out to the hall where they escaped to a quiet room.

They tossed Douglas into a small conference room then slammed the door shut and stood guard from the outside. Adjusting his newly acquired silver silk suit, Douglas flicked off the shadow silhouettes of the guards. He then turned to find himself standing next to a large oval table, twelve chairs around it, and at the far end sat an older man in a black suit worth million more than his. So... who are you? Douglas asked pulling out one of the brown leather chairs and sitting in it.

The black suited black man rose from his chair and adjusted his suit like most lawyers. The names Codwell, and I will do everything I can to get these charges drop. Douglas was about the coin in when the man stopped him by holding up his hand. No other lawyer has ever done the things I have. I am not just some lawyer. I am the best you will ever see. Douglas once again began to speak as the man put up his hand to stop him once more. You take the deal with me and with-in minutes you will be back on the streets and able to return to your life. Within ten years you won’t even remember this ever happen. Douglas smiled, it was a nice idea, but he would never forget any of this. Or you don’t go with me and reporters and the police drag your name and family through the mud. You become a homeless drunk, after you get out of jail, and your family pays the price. Douglas stood up, mostly because he lost and was not sure what the guy was talking about.

What the hell are you on, man? Douglas asked pushing the chair away from the desk and standing up. Oh, is this one of those hidden camera things...or whatever you called them?

The lawyer smiled, but it was odd. It was cold and dark.  You have one chance. I am all you got. I can protect you.

Oh, a fairy godfather type of shit, Douglas joked now standing with his back to the door and nowhere to go. The man rose from his chair and walked over to Douglas. He smelled off, like dead rotten meat. The closer he got the more Douglas could see what was happen. He did his best not to make eye contact.

Not really, the lawyer said adjusting his suit, standing as close to Douglas as he could.

I guess you want me to take the deal and live happily ever after? Douglas answered and did his best to face away.

No, he said laughing and stepping away from Douglas and heading to the back of the room. I want you to see me. His voice darkened. I am not here to put you on a path. I am here to make sure they know I am still here. I am still doing God’s work, still burning those damn bastards and stake.

I remember you, Douglas said breaking his own rules of talk to them.

Knock... Knock, the black-suited mad said, as the knock rang out from behind Douglas. Shocked, he turned to find his, young and stupid, lawyer pushing his way through the door fighting back the reporters. Douglas turned to reply to the Black suited man, only to find him gone. He looked blankly around the room searching for him only to come up empty.

Mr. Falco! His twenty-four-year-old lawyer called out for the fifth time. Douglas snapped his attention to him. What are you doing?

Not...nothing, he took a second to think then spoke. What the hell is going on? One second I am being called a killer the next the Judge is letting me walk. Douglas sat down and stared at the floor as his lawyer wiped sweat from his brow and took a seat across from him.

Change of heart I guess, the lawyer replied still heavily sweating, but they both knew that was not the truth. Everything in Destiny City was for sale, even judges. The problem now is what happens next. I will have to speak with the judge. Please, let me speak to him.

Someone paid this judge to let me go. Even without knowing about it, I am going to be pulled into something. Before lunch that Judge has just as set on hanging me as everyone else.

Yes, this is why the D.A. offered a deal. He flipped open his small black briefcase and pulled out two pages of paper and slid them across the table to Douglas. That is a deal, the only deal the D.A. will give.

A deal? Let me guess he is trying to cover his ass now. Douglas skimmed the pages and then tossed it back to his lawyer, No.

It’s a good deal, he said wiping his brow, because it will end this for you and allows you to return to work after three years. It also makes the D.A. happy.

Fuck the D.A. and fuck the job. That deal says, I must admit that I did not kill my wife but knew my job and state of mind would get her killed. Douglas rose to his feet slowly and stepped away from the table to lean on the wall to think. On one hand, he would be able to move on with life. On the other hand, he would face millions of people believing he was a wife killer that murdered his wife. I won’t sign it. I did not kill my wife and my job did not kill her.

Mr. Falco...I cannot tell if you are telling the truth about your wife’s death or not. This is my first case, and I am really not sure where to go at this point. If you, did it and paid off the judge...then I guess you won your freedom. If not, then someone is setting you up for something and I would advise you to take this deal. With this deal I can help you, maybe even get you back on the force.

Mr. Boyle, I really don’t give a fuck what you think about me. Douglas stood, dead-eyed with the young lawyer. Know this, I did not kill her, and I am not signing anything that says I or my state of mind could have gotten my wife killed. I will do what I always do and handle this alone if need be. So as of now, you’re fired or we go speak to a Judge.

Suddenly the door stormed opened, and a figure flew in slamming the door shut behind him. If the brown silk suit didn’t tell Douglas who it was, the five-thousand-dollar shoes did. Damn those monsters, Doctor George J. Hughes said, as he turned to find Douglas staring at him with that childish grin of his. Well, my boy, good to see you, he said dusting himself off as if he had just come in from the snow. I see your way with people hasn’t changed, he gestured to Mr. Boyle, who was now seconds from crying.

He fired me... Tears began to flow, but Mr. Boyle held back the best he could. My father is going to kill me. Thinking of his father’s reaction broke the hold and the tears poured out.  The older and kinder Doctor Hughes quickly jumped to his aid, with a hand on the back and a few words of encouragement.

Now calm down, young man. Your father is going to be very proud of you, because today you get your very first win.

But, but more tears poured out.

Douglas quickly slammed his hand down on the table causing both to jump upright. Shut-up, Douglas was not mad just sick of hearing the kid cries. Stop acting like a child and think about it. The Judge said he was not seeing the evidence, so clearly, he does not see a case. I do not know how or why he changed his mind, but that means we win.

Mr. Boyle suddenly stopped crying, Wait a second... He wiped away the tears and smiled a bit. That is true. Okay, he said with a large grin of a child at Christmas, I will go see the judge, he said and almost skipped out of the room.

Doctor Hughes stared at Douglas as Boyle left the room still whipping his face clean.

What, Douglas asked noticing George staring at him with that fatherly look.

You helped him.

Douglas quickly stopped him. Hold on there, Douglas raised his hands up as if holding back the words as they crossed the air. I was just sick of him crying. George laughed softly. Anyway, why are you here?

Doctor Hughes pulled out a chair and sat crossing one leg over the other. Well, I couldn’t let you just burn out there.

Douglas laughed quietly, So you think I was going to hang myself? He asked taking his seat again.

With your people skills... I was worried the Judge was going to shoot you on the spot, George laughed.

Douglas smiled, Okay, I can understand that. That isn’t a reason to buy a Judge.

Oh Douglas, always on the right side of the law, Doctor Hughes smiled, as he adjusted his thinning grey hair.

I try to be.

Well, you’re not today because I paid the Judge and you’re going home. Unless you sign some kind of a deal and ruin everything my five million just got you. Plus, we both know you did not do it and that D.A. has nothing on you. He is just trying to build his re-election.

I am not signing any deal, Douglas said pointing to the papers across the table from Hughes. Hughes reached over and grabbed the pages and quickly read over them.

I see why. They want you to take responsible for her death by saying you knew your work was going to get her killed.

I guess that is one way to read it. I see it as if saying I did it... one way or another.

Do you remember anything from the night? Doctor Hughes asked.

Douglas shook his head, nothing... he rubbed his head as if trying to pull out something from that night. It is still foggy. I am told it is because of the shock.

Hughes stood up and pushed in his chair, well then let us not waste time bullshitting. Let us go tell the D.A. to stick his deal up his ass and get some lunch.

Douglas jumped up excited to be getting out of jail. You think he is going to let me walk?

He already has. Remember I own more than half the city. With that much money comes some powerful friends.

Douglas smiled, but inside he hated what was happening. A police officer for fifteen years was not something someone could just forget about. Then again Douglas always played on that fine line between good and bad, always for the idea of the greater good and never for his own greed like others in the department. As he stepped out in front of the media, he wondered about what the black-suited man. He wondered if he would be seeing him again, as he did others.

Three years Later...

Douglas’ office sits covered in a thin layer of dust, due to the downtime. At least that’s what Douglas was calling it. He wanted to believe it was caused by the economy. The fact was that Douglas had not had one case in two months, and it was not because of the economy. The last case he had was a lost dog, which Douglas found in the man’s own backyard.

Here’s your sign! He ended up charging the man double the price due to being an idiot, that was used to pay for another few months of rent. Now things were getting tough, the rent is due in a week and the phone only seems to ring for wrong numbers and telemarketers. This made him think about returning the phone and getting a better model as if it was the brand, he bought that caused him to get the shitty calls.

Damn Floor-mart, a piece of junk. He would yell, as he slammed down the phone on the tenth telemarketer of the day, as he wondered if anyone actually fell for those car warranty scams.

He opened the business so he could do what he loved and that was solving cases, not helping people. Never get that wrong, Douglas had no interest in people. It was the search for the truth. The what and the why things happen. The truth is out there, he believed.

Even thou the glass door read Detective Douglas he was a licensed private eye. Like the old black and white movie detectives that always saved the beautiful woman in distress. Detective reminded him of being on the force and he wanted to get away from that as much as he could. He tried changing it to a private eye, but when he went to the store for the lettering the sales kid laughed at the word private, and Douglas left empty hand. He could not stand stupidity.

The office was just like any other old-school detective’s office film. There was much more room than even he needed. It didn’t help that all he had was an old wooden desk, a somewhat torn cot, a coat hook, and a red metal file cabinet. The top cabinet was stuck shut, unable to open. The bottom cabinet was always stuck fully open, which caused many bruises at night. Then again there were only six files in the cabinet, why he even kept it was beyond him.

Six damn files and not one case even worth talking about. He would sometimes kick the cabinet after looking down at the sad progress of his business. This was also the reason it did not close. He sometimes blamed his location on his lack of business or economy but knew it was more than that. People skills were needed to run a business and that one skill Douglas largely lacked.

His office was poorly placed in an old factory in Old Town. A place stuck in the 30s and 40s of the old brick building that